Is TMAO an enzyme?

The TMAO-Generating Enzyme Flavin Monooxygenase 3 Is a Central Regulator of Cholesterol Balance. Cell Rep. 2015 Jan 20;10(3):326-338.

What is the function of TMAO?

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is an amine oxide and osmolyte commonly found in marine crustaceans and marine fish, protecting them against water pressure, temperature, salinity, and urea (Velasquez et al. 2016).

How is TMAO excreted?

Approximately 50% of the ingested TMAO is absorbed unchanged and then excreted in urine. The remaining 50% is converted into TMA in the gut by the action of TMAO reductase [19]. TMA can be oxidized to TMAO again by the action of TMA monooxigenase, which is present in some gut microorganisms [21,22] (Figure 1).

What is TMAO in the blood?

A new blood test that measures levels of TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) — a metabolite derived from gut bacteria — can powerfully predict future risk for heart attack, stroke, and death in patients who appear otherwise healthy, according to pioneering Cleveland Clinic research.

What causes TMAO?

Here’s how it works: When people ingest certain nutrients, such as choline (abundant in red meat, egg yolks, and dairy products) and L-carnitine (found in red meat as well as some energy drinks and supplements), the gut bacteria that break it down produce a compound called trimethylamine (TMA).

What foods produce TMAO?

TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) is produced by gut bacteria from choline, lecithin, and L-carnitine-rich foods (mainly fish, meat, egg, and dairy).

Does TMAO cause inflammation?

TMAO levels are positively associated with monocyte activation and inflammation. Elevated TMAO levels also induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequently trigger inflammatory and immune responses.

Is trimethylamine harmful to humans?

* Breathing Trimethylamine can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. * Trimethylamine is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID or GAS and a DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD.

Do probiotics reduce TMAO?

While TMAO did not change after probiotic supplementation, there was a significant increase in betaine plasma levels. In contrast, the placebo group showed a significant decrease in plasma choline levels. Short-term probiotic supplementation does not appear to influence plasma TMAO levels in HD patients.